Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Nigeria Police Force for arresting journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others who took part in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Prince Emmanuel, the younger brother of the detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and Ejimakor, Kanu’s legal counsel, were arrested during the protest organised by Sowore on Monday, October 20. Sowore himself was later apprehended by police during Kanu’s court trial on Thursday, October 23.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku described the actions of the police as both “shocking” and “disappointing,” noting that such conduct reflects the government’s disregard for democratic principles.
“It is disappointing because those in power today once thrived on protests,” Atiku wrote. “But not surprising, as Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be if we allow him.”
He condemned Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom, calling it “a new low” and “an open assault on democracy,” adding that the detention of other peaceful protesters “deepens the stain” on the government’s human rights record.
“Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right,” the former vice president stated.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters.
“I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest. This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices. Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny,” he added.
